Welcome to the latest edition of our Events Bulletin!

Autism Network Scotland would like to signpost you to a number of events taking place across Scotland. We hope you will find this useful.

All of these events are listed on our Events Calendar.

We are currently collecting information about events and activities taking place to mark World Autism Day 2015 on 2 April. 

If you are attending or organising any kind of activity that you would like to see featured in our upcoming special edition newsletters and events bulletins, please send us an email with the full details.

Please feel free to share this bulletin with your friends and colleagues.

Best wishes,

The Autism Network Scotland Team

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Location: Town Hall, Wick

This is a joint event between Autism Network Scotland and ARC Scotland exploring transitions for people with autism and/or additional support needs.

Part 1 - An overview of the Principles of Good Transitions 2 document

Part 2 - Workshops exploring the 7 Principles and key themes in relation to transitions, with an opportunity to give feedback

Part 3 - An overview of local and national resources in relation to transitions

If there is a specific topic that is relevant to you in relation to transitions please indicate this when you book

Please note: Key messages from the workshops will be collated and fed back to the Local Authority.

These events are open to all local stakeholders including people with autism and/or additional support needs, family and carers and practitioners.

We will be running two sessions covering the same information.  Please indicate when booking your place which session you would like to attend.

Session 1:  9:45 - 12:45
Session 2: 13:45 - 16:45

TO ACCESS THE PRINCIPLES OF GOOD TRANSITIONS 2 DOCUMENT CLICK HERE

To book your place please send an email to Autism Network Scotland or call 0141-444-8145 to speak to Lynsey.

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25 February: Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow

26 February: The Grosvenor Cinema, Glasgow

Prepare to have your heart well and truly warmed. Nathan (Asa Butterfield) is a teenage maths prodigy with mild autism. He has always been a handful for his loving mother Julie (Sally Hawkins). The rational purity of mathematics is the one thing that allows him to make sense of the world. Tutor Mr Humphreys (Rafe Spall) encourages him to try for a place in the British team at the International Mathematics Olympiad. A training trip to Taiwan is the beginning of an incredible journey as Nathan learns that there may be more to life than prime numbers. Understated, beautifully acted and completely wonderful.

BAFTA-winning documentary filmmaker, Morgan Matthews attends the Scottish Premiere on Wed 25 Feb (18.00).

The screening on Thu 26 Feb will be at the Grosvenor cinema.

For more information on how to book, please visit our website.

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25 February to 1 April 2015 & 15 April to 20 May 2015

Scottish Autism's Right Click programme captures and presents our knowledge and experience about autism in an accessible way which allows parents to absorb it in their own time and at their own pace.

We have drawn on the experience of our Autism Support Team as well as that of other professionals from organisations such as the Family Planning Association, Promocon and Sibs, to develop over 50 videos as well as a range of support materials that cover a whole host of topics.

We have two programmes that provide support to parents of young and recently diagnosed children up to around 8 years and to parents of teenagers as we know that this can be an especially challenging time.

For more information on how to take part, visit the Scottish Autism Right Click page.

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27 February: Children in Scotland, Edinburgh

26 March: Albany Learning Centre, Glasgow

This full day workshop is facilitated by the Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability and will look at the requirements of Access to Work, how it links with and compliments best practice for follow along job coaching, transport and adaptations in the workplace. You will gain practical advice and information on how to apply for and use the funding. The workshop will cover:

• What is Access to Work and its requirements
• What can you use it for
• How to ensure you are using good Job Coaching Practices
• The process
• What to put into the business case
• What is needed for the financial claims
• Monitoring for the Job Coaches.

The training will be delivered through structured presentations and discussions. We will also work through case studies based on real experiences and current issues individuals are facing when applying to Access to Work.

The course is suitable for Job Coaches, People working within Project SEARCH sites, Employers and professionals actively engaged in supporting people with disabilities into paid employment.

For more information, including delegate prices, please visit the Autism Network Scotland website.

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Dimensions has teamed up with major cinemas across Scotland to present Autism-Friendly Film Screenings on Sunday mornings around the country.

What makes the screenings autism friendly?

• The lights will be on low
• The volume will be turned down
• There will be no trailers at the beginning of the film
• You’ll be able to take your own food and drinks
• You’ll be able to move around the cinema if you like

1 March - Cineworld Cinemas are showing Shaun the Sheep (2D) at 10am.

8 March - Showcase Cinemas are also showing Shaun the Sheep (2D) at 10am.

8 March: To celebrate World Autism Day Odeon are holding an extra screening at some of their cinemas.

Odeon's extra screening is the National Theatre Live production of Treasure Island (12A) on Sunday 8th March at 10am. Please note; different ticket prices may apply.

This screening will be at selected sites including Glasgow Quay.

15 March: Odeon Cinemas are showing Home (2D) at 11.30am.

16 March: Odeon are also hosting a screening for older viewers. Focus (2D) is showing on Monday 16th March at 6:00pm.

29 March - Vue Cinemas are showing Paddington at 10am for only £1.75.

29 March: To celebrate World Autism Day Showcase are holding an extra screening.

Showcase's extra screening is Home on Sunday 29th March at 10am.

31 March: To celebrate World Autism Day Vue Cinemas are holding extra screenings at their cinemas. 

The National Theatre Live production of Treasure Island (12A) will be shown on Tuesday 31st March at 7pm.

2 April - World Autism Day: Vue will be showing The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie: Sponge Out of Water (2D) at 4pm. Please note different ticket prices apply.

Vue recommend you book tickets in advance for this screening; the cinema is likely to be busy which could mean queuing and crowds.

Vue will also be showing X+Y, a film about the talents and strugglers of a young man with autism, at selected cinemas including the Edinburgh Omni, at 6pm on Thursday 2 April.

For details of all screenings visit the Dimensions website.

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Location: Inverness

The Shirlie Project has received funding from the Scottish Government's Autism Development Fund to run a pilot employability and work taster programme for young people with ASD aged 17 – 24. 8 – 10 young people will take part in 9 sessions over a 6 week period.

Sessions will include talks from those in successful employment; from employers about what they are looking for; support with CVs and interview skills; and workshops on dealing with stressful situations. Each young person will leave the course with a great looking CV and a personalised action plan.

For full information about the content of this free course, visit the Autism Network Scotland website.

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Location: The Beardmore Hotel & Conference Centre, Glasgow

The Autistic Intelligence Glasgow conference 2015 will feature the following speakers:

Dr Olga Bogdashina is an author on autism spectrum conditions, specialising in sensory processing. 

Dr Jacqui Jackson is the author of Multicoloured Mayhem, and an academic in autism.

Dr Luke Beardon is Senior Lecturer in Autism at Sheffield Hallam University. He worked with those on the autism spectrum for many years before completing his PhD. He is an author, specialising in social relationships in autism.

Elaine Nicholson is the CEO of the charity Action for Asperger's. 

To find out more information about these speakers and how to book your place at the conference, visit the Autism Network Scotland website.

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Location: The Pines, Inverness

CHIP+ and the National Autistic Society co-host these autism information sessions once a month, usually on the first Thursday of the month at The Pines in Drummond Road Inverness. All parents/carers of a young person with autism are very welcome to come along. The sessions run from 10am-12 noon. For the first hour there is a speaker presentation, and for the second hour the chance to have coffee and chat.

There are a great range of speakers lined up for 2015 including occasional additional “twilight” sessions where presentations are repeated on a Monday evening. See the full calendar for this year’s sessions.

2 March: Guardianship twilight session, beginning at 6pm.

5 March: Guardianship Parents Information Session

19 March: Parents' Drop-In Session

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Location: Crabtree & Evelyn, Inverness

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Location: Project Ability, Glasgow

Ten of the top international supported art studios will be showing work by two or more of their artists for the International Summit for Learning Disability Artists and their Support Studios.

Over three days in March (4th-6th), the artists will come together to share their practice, learn from each other and celebrate their creativity. Project Ability’s home in the award winning Trongate 103 in the centre of Glasgow will be transformed with each organisation exhibiting in specially constructed galleries throughout the building.

The attending studios are Arts Project Australia (Australia), Venture Arts (UK), Action Space (UK), Inuti (Sweden), KCAT (Ireland), Atelier 5 (Germany), Celf O Gwmpas (Wales), In-Definite Arts (Canada), Kaarisilta (Finland), Nina Haggerty Centre (Canada).

The Project Ability gallery will be open late on Thursday 5th March, 6pm-8pm for the launch of its Aspire publication.

The programme of the Summit can be downloaded here. The exhibitions will continue until Saturday 4th April.

Follow the latest information on Project Ability social networks, search for #TheSummit

Visit Project Ability for more information.

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To reserve a place at any of these events, please click on the relevant link to our website:

4 March: Edinburgh

4 March: Musselburgh

9 March: East Glasgow

10 March: Greenock

18 March: Alloa

23 March: Inverness

26 March: Milngavie

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Location: Park Mains High School, Erskine

Based at Park Mains High School in Erskine, the 2015 Enquire conference will explore how we currently support all children to reach their potential and ensure that barriers to learning do not become barriers to achievement.

In the context of the raising attainment agenda the conference will look at what needs to be considered to help pupils with additional support needs develop and achieve their aspirations.

Come to this event to:

• Reflect on our individual and collective responsibilities to broaden aspirations and address inequalities in education
• Consider how we provide children and young people with opportunities to consider and develop their aspirations
• Learn what Renfrewshire and other authorities are doing to improve educational outcomes for all pupils
• Hear from pupils about what makes a difference
• Discuss the opportunities and challenges of implementing the current legislation and policy framework.

This event is for teachers, ASN staff and others who are involved in supporting all children and young people to develop and reach their aspirations.

For more information, visit the Autism Network Scotland website.

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Location: Jury's Inn, Glasgow

What could be more valuable than giving your student/child the ability to communicate? PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) is a tried-and-tested approach that uses pictures to develop communication skills in children and adults with a wide range of learning difficulties. Easy to access, affordable to implement and scientifically supported as one of the most effective interventions, PECS is an opportunity to open the door to spontaneous communication.

This workshop is the basic accredited training in PECS and recommended for parents as well as professionals.

For more information, including prices and how to attend, please visit our website.

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Location: Renfield St Stephens, Glasgow

The FPA Autism, Sex and Relationship Project is holding a free conference to highlight the importance of delivering good sex and relationships education to young people with ASD.  As well as sharing some of the learning from the project, professionals will be able to share good practice, explore some of the challenges of this work and identify solutions. With nationally acclaimed guest speakers plus practical ‘how to’ workshops this conference will be a useful addition to your continuous professional development.

Find out how to register for your place by visiting our website.

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Location on both dates: 126 West Regent Street, Glasgow

Life Skills Solutions are hosting two half-day stress workshops for parents and carers of individuals on the autistic spectrum. These workshops will demonstrate some tools and techniques to help you to better manage stress and feel more in control.

For more information, please visit our website.

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The National Autistic Society Scotland and Chip+ welcome parents to a new series of informal coffee morning in 2015. This is an opportunity to meet other parents and enjoy a coffee and chat.

Please come along and join us if your child:

• Has had a diagnosis of autism within the last 12 months, or
• Is going through assessment, or
• If you have started attending Pines Drop-ins within the last 12 months, or
• If for any reason you have not attended Drop-in sessions for 12 months or so.

Information about further, similar events at the Pines can be found here.

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Location: Inverness

Learn about Autism Spectrum Disorders and the common behaviours, challenges and opportunities arising from them in children and young people aged 12-18.

This training workshop is relevant to those working with children whose ages are: 12 and over. This workshop is for anybody with an interest in Autism Spectrum Disorders and how they affect 12-18 year olds and their families.

Facilitator Peter Robinson is an experienced practitioner and trainer with over 25 years' experience in the statutory and health care sectors with particular expertise in mental health and working with children and young people. He is a qualified mental health officer and is presently working with young people as a mental health link worker.

For more information, including pricing, visit our website.

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Location: Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries

Relationships of all kinds can be fraught with complexity for people on the spectrum. Friendships, working and intimate relationships all demand an understanding of self as well as the potential impact you may have on another person.

This Scottish Autism seminar will explore this most fundamental but highly challenging aspect of human development. It will present a variety of approaches and case studies which consider the key issues for individuals across the spectrum and at various ages and stages of development. Its aim is to provide a supportive environment where together we can explore and discuss this sensitive topic.

For more information on the seminar and to find out how you can attend, visit our website.

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Liberator’s NEW AAC Awareness Days are designed for anyone who works with and cares for a non-verbal individual – therapists, teachers, parents, carers etc. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about AAC implementation strategies, the power of core vocabulary, EyeGaze, Language Acquisition through Motor Planning and the fantastic range of products and services available from Liberator Ltd.

Find out more by viewing the full PDF event flyer, including booking form, by visiting our website.

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Location: Nairn Community Centre, Nairn

Artists taking part this year including Harmoni-us Choir, Nairn’s very own Art & Tec, Fiddle Forte, Nairn’s very own Legend John the Prof Matheson, Leona Macdonald, Dionne Monteiro, Stagecoach Dance troupe and Choir, and Miss Scarlett Diamonte is returning from London  – amongst many others!

The event will be hosted by STV News’ Nicola McAlley and Steven Manders.

All proceeds will go towards Autism Initiatives – Highland One Stop Shop.

Find out how to reserve your tickets by visiting the Autism Network Scotland website.

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Contact Autism Network Scotland by sending us an email or by calling 0141 444 8146.

We can also be found on Facebook and on Twitter.

Not a member already? Join us by completing our online membership form.